Who is the better QB: Tebow or Orton?

Is this a trick question?

Steve Svekis

Sun Sentinel

This is like trying to select the valedictorian of summer school.

I'm taking Orton if my idea of success is unspectacular but decent production, enough to get a team to 9-7. If I want to put fans in the seats, go with Tebow, despite the disconcerting transformation of his Broncos-propelled crystal carriage into a smashed pumpkin the past 10 days.

Poor John Elway and John Fox are in a no-win situation Sunday. Either former Bronco Orton rubs their nose in it by leading the Chiefs to victory in Denver, possibly eliminating the Mile Highers, or Tebow's bandwagon is refueled by an AFC West-clinching win, further marrying the team president and coach to a QB they really want no part of.

Tim Tebow or Kyle Orton? Who's behind Door No. 3? I'll take him. I love that Tebow wins, draws attention to your team and sells tickets. I don't like the offense you have to run with him at quarterback because I don't think it leads to long-term success in the NFL.

Orton is a solid starter and a better backup. The wow factor simply doesn't exist with him and that's why he has been kicked around the league. If he's surrounded by a great team, he can manage a game. I don't think he'll win you one, but he certainly can lose one with a bad decision.

Between Tebow and Orton, I'd go with Tebow simply to watch him in a two-minute drill. But I'd still like to see who's behind Door No. 3.

There are many things Kyle Orton does better than Tim Tebow. Orton plays with consistency. He throws with accuracy. He reads defenses. He runs a conventional offense. He finds the open receiver. He applies sound fundamentals. He avoids the costly interception.

Orton is not an elite quarterback, but he has a pretty impressive body of work with three NFL teams. He is much more of a known commodity than Tebow, who is in his second season.

But there are two things Tebow has done better than Orton this year: lead and win. The Broncos went 7-3 with Tebow as their starter, 1-4 with Orton. For that reason, this vote goes to Tebow.

Tebow could be my starter with the understanding I'd pursue a long-term alternative at QB, either through free agency or the draft, then give that player the chance to take over.

I'm not convinced you can build a winning offense around a 48 percent passer, as exciting as these last 10 weeks have been.

Tebow spreads the belief that the team can overcome late deficits to win. He's also an exceptional athlete who adds value to a team, but that value ultimately might be as a hybrid player, such as the Bills' Brad Smith, as opposed to an every-down quarterback.

But if he can continue to improve, maybe Tebow rounds into the answer at quarterback. It's too early to tell.